Tag Archives: Drama
Downbeat Marion Cotillard Double Bill: Rust and Bone & Two Days, One Night
Marion Cotillard is rapidly becoming notorius for her drastic transformations of body and presence on film. She excels playing strong women worn down or broken by trauma, from the increasingly frail Edith Piaf in LA VIE EN ROSE to Mal’s steady … Continue reading
Review: The Imitation Game (2014)
Much like its subject, THE IMITATION GAME has spent many years in obscurity, an unloved script waiting for someone to take a chance on a story about the secretly gay genius who was instrumental in helping bring World War II … Continue reading
Review: Begin Again (2013)
There’s a scene early on in BEGIN AGAIN where Mark Ruffalo’s ramshackle record producer Dan shows obvious physical pain at listening to the bilge that are the demo tapes he is sent as he is stuck in busy city traffic … Continue reading
Review: Fury (2014)
I won’t lie and say I’m not tired by Hollywood’s obsession with being gritty. If it’s not a new serious take on a superhero or a or a downbeat sequel or remake, then it’s seemingly not worth investing in. You … Continue reading
Review: Pompeii (2014)
Well, that was disappointing. When it was announced an all-out modern blockbuster was being made based on the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, I thought, what could go wrong? You’ve got inbuilt human pathos, the chance to … Continue reading
Review: Frank (2014)
FRANK is not even remotely about Mancunian comic character Frank Sidebottom, it just appropriates his iconography to come up with an original story of its own. This might annoy diehard fans of Chris Sievey and his creation, but I’m sure … Continue reading
“You’ll have bad times, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to” (RIP Robin Williams)
As Jeff Bridges’ self-hating DJ Jack Lucas says of Robin Williams’ Parry in THE FISHER KING, “You’re a psychotic man…a very nice psychotic man”. With the most affection possible, that would accurately describe Robin Williams’ public persona – a mad … Continue reading
SSP Thinks Film 
“I believe we need heroes, I believe we need certain people who we can measure our own shortcomings by.” (RIP Richard Attenborough)
It’s been a tough month for my childhood. Two weeks ago we lost Robin Williams, and now we must also bid a fond farewell to Lord Richard Attenborough, actor-director extraordinaire, RADA and BAFTA head, and tireless and passionate supporter of … Continue reading →